driving with no air filter... potentially hazardous?

[Batou]

i'm getting a k&n air filter soon, and i've taken out my old one...which seems to have cracked and won't fit right... is it ok to drive around for a couple days without a filter?

all city driving, i haven't seen much dust or large particles that could get through the grill and all the way up the snorkel...

opinions?

[graftdesign]

Originally Posted by Batou

i'm getting a k&n air filter soon, and i've taken out my old one...which seems to have cracked and won't fit right... is it ok to drive around for a couple days without a filter?

all city driving, i haven't seen much dust or large particles that could get through the grill and all the way up the snorkel...

opinions?

I don't think its a problem for a couple of days provided you're not in a very dusty area. Of course filters are there for a reason so driving without one too long is bad. The dust essentially acts as a micro-abrasive and can prematurely wear out the engine internals.

[jhodg5ck]

cities are dirtier then you think. I would not drive around w/o an air filter for more then a quick test run.

You should be able to get a replacement from your local mcparts store.

Jonathan

[Batou]

thanks for the input!

i'm getting the k&n from kragen tomorrow... i just needed to use the car today to run errands.

[guarddog]

I've done it before, but it was an old Chevy Impala. That being said, I was young and trying to get more 'power' out of the car.

I wouldn't do it now, though. The likelihood of something getting in the engine is so small, but not really worth the risk. As mentioned above, just get an inexpensive one until you get your K&N.

On that note, when you clean your K&N and re-oil it, be aware that the oil can get on your MAF (Mass Air Flow sensor), and possibly make your car run differently. I don't know if its an issue on Mercedes but it definately happens on Ford Mustangs. Not a big deal, you can get some contact cleaner from Radio Shack to clean off the sensor wires, just wanted to let you know in case your car runs differently in the future.

[jhodg5ck]

No MAF sensor a la Moosetangs :-P

However, over oiling is a Very common thing on K&N's. I usually put a very light run of oil, let it migrate overnight and see where that gets me.

Jonathan

[guarddog]

Originally Posted by jhodg5ck

No MAF sensor a la Moosetangs :-P

However, over oiling is a Very common thing on K&N's. I usually put a very light run of oil, let it migrate overnight and see where that gets me.

Jonathan

At least you didn't say "Rustang" or worse.

Might need that CD sooner versus later.


.

[Batou]

no biggie, she's basically on her last run anyways... white clouds of billowing smoke every time i start 'er up or rev her too quickly.

[dave420]

K&Ns are a myth (I have heard lots of evidence on this... in addition, Jonathan does not use them and he rebuilds engines...). Stay with the factory setup.

Dave

[Batou]

really?

the brand i have now is FRAM or something like that...